Zucchini noodles or also known as zoodles is an alternative to noodles made from flour that is both unique and healthy. While they are best eaten fresh, you can dry and freeze the zucchini noodles if you want to store them for a longer period of time.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Drying Zukini Noodles
Step 1. Prepare the zucchini noodles in a large bowl
Before freezing them, it's important to dry the zucchini noodles as much as possible. The texture and shape of the wet zucchini noodles will change when stored for a long time so that the shape becomes unsightly and watery when thawed later.
- You can make zucchini noodles at home or buy them from a health grocery store.
- Thin zucchini noodles tend to last longer than thick or wide zucchini noodles.
Step 2. Sprinkle kosher salt on the zucchini noodles
Measure out about a tablespoon (15 ml) of kosher salt for every two cups of zucchini noodles you prepare. Then, take a pinch of salt and sprinkle it on the zucchini noodles to cover the surface as evenly as possible.
The salt will help preserve the texture of the zucchini noodles when stored
Step 3. Knead the zucchini noodles until smooth, adding salt if necessary
With your hands, squeeze and flip the zucchini noodles in a bowl. Repeat this step to make sure the salt is well mixed with the zucchini noodles. While kneading, add salt all over the unsalted surface of the zucchini noodles. By the end of this step you should see a grain of salt evenly distributed over each of the zucchini noodles.
Step 4. Keep turning the zucchini noodles until they are foamy and hardened
When kneading noodles, there will be a lot of liquid coming out of the noodles. In this step the zucchini noodles will harden slightly and a bubbly liquid will form on top which makes the bowl look like it's filled with soapy water. Keep turning the zucchini noodles until they are firm. This process will take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 5. Cover the filter with a clean washcloth or towel
Take a sieve large enough to fit all the zucchini noodles. Cover the strainer with a clean rag, towel, or cheesecloth, then place it over the sink or a large bowl.
- Place the strainer in a safe place as you will be leaving the zucchini noodles in it for quite a while.
- Avoid cloth that is too thick, as you will have a hard time drying the zucchini noodles.
Step 6. Wrap the zucchini noodles with the cloth
Carefully transfer the zucchini noodles into a cloth-lined sieve. Make sure all the zucchini noodles are inside the cloth, then fold each edge of the cloth into a kind of pocket. Before continuing, make sure all the zucchini noodles are wrapped.
If necessary, secure the fabric with tongs
Step 7. Squeeze the cloth to remove all the liquid
Hold the top of the zucchini noodle package with one hand, then hold the bottom with your other hand. Squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. Do this for about two minutes or until no more liquid comes out.
Step 8. Allow the zucchini noodles to dry for at least an hour
Let the zucchini noodles sit in the cloth for as long as possible, at least an hour. This will give the remaining liquid a chance to dry. The drier the zucchini noodles are when frozen, the tastier they are after you thaw them.
Part 2 of 2: Storing Zukini Noodles in the Freezer
Step 1. Put the zucchini noodles in a small plastic clip that is safe to store in the freezer
Gently remove the zucchini noodles from the cloth and place them on a clean table. If the zucchini noodles look dry enough, put them in a number of small, freezer-safe plastic clips.
- While you can store zucchini noodles in large plastic clips, storing smaller portions is better for keeping the shape and texture of the noodles when thawing.
- It is important to store the zucchini noodles in a compressed state. So, don't store it in a hard container jar like a glass jar.
- If the zucchini noodles look mushy and soft, repeat the drying process.
Step 2. Remove as much air as possible from the plastic bag and seal it tightly
After adding the zucchini noodles, press down on each plastic bag with your hands to let out as much air as possible. Then, close the plastic bag tightly so that no more air gets into the plastic clip.
Step 3. Label each bag
To make sure you store your zucchini noodles for the right amount of time, attach a label to each plastic bag and write down the date you started storing them. If you divide the zucchini noodles separately into different amounts, consider recording the weight of the zucchini noodles as well.
Step 4. Store the zucchini noodles in the freezer for up to one year
As with most types of squash, you can store zucchini noodles in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, as time goes by, the taste may become more and more bland. So, try to eat it immediately.
Step 5. Boil the zucchini noodles to melt them
When you are ready to reheat it, boil the water in a saucepan. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and submerge them in the water for about a minute. This step will heat up and rehydrate the zucchini noodles. You can use zucchini noodles to make a variety of foods such as:
- stir fry
- Alfredo sauce
- Shrimp stir fry
- Pho
- Pad Thai
